Arla Foods Ingredients has developed new solutions to meet the needs of users of GLP-1 anti-obesity medications.
Originally developed to treat diabetes, GLP-1 receptor agonists have reshaped the weight management market. Among consumers actively trying to lose weight in 2025, 11 per cent globally reported using them. These numbers are expected to rise significantly as GLP-1 availability increases, tablet formats emerge, and prices fall.
However, GLP-1 medications are associated with side effects. Following traditional weight management interventions, such as diet or bariatric surgery, lean muscle typically accounts for 25 percent of the total mass lost, but this can increase to 40 percent with GLP-1 use.
Additionally, up to 76 percent of GLP-1 consumers experience gastric discomfort such as stomach pain, nausea, constipation, diarrhoea and loss of appetite.
To demonstrate how manufacturers can meet the growing demand for GLP-1 companion nutrition that helps manage these side effects, Arla Foods Ingredients has developed new high-protein, functional concepts.
Featuring the high-quality Nutrilac and Lacprodan BLG-100 protein solutions, they deliver all the essential amino acids for muscle health in nutrient-dense formats. The concepts also incorporate probiotics/cultures from Novonesis, a global leader in bio-solutions, to support digestive well-being.
Anne Widart, Chief Commercial Officer of Arla Foods Ingredients, said that GLP-1 companion nutrition is a rapidly growing category, with considerable untapped opportunities for dairy manufacturers.
"Anti-obesity medications are creating a market for more nutrient-dense foods that are high in protein to protect lean muscle mass and are easy to digest," she said.
"Featuring our specialty proteins, these new concepts can help manufacturers realise that potential. Delivering all the essential amino acids vital for muscle health, they also support gut comfort, and the small serving sizes and great taste appeal to smaller appetites.”
Arla Foods Ingredients will showcase the GLP-1 companion nutrition solutions at Vitafoods Europe in Barcelona.
